Obituary of Joseph Alan Hammer

On Monday, November 13, Joseph Alan Hammer passed away after a brief illness. Joe was born in Chamberlin, South Dakota to George and Lyla Hammer. They moved to Oregon, and then Ontario, California. After graduating from Long Beach State with a Masters in Education, he taught in Germany with the Armed Services where he met Mary, his wife of 58 years. Following their marriage and after finishing their teaching service in 1965, they moved to California to make a home in the San Lorenzo Valley, their favorite place in the world. They adopted two children, Eric and Lisa, and Joe began teaching at Aptos Junior High. There he stayed a beloved member of the faculty for 35 years, developing lifelong relationships with so many of the students and staff.

Among other interests, Joe was an avid duck hunter, camper, and environmentalist, served in the Air Force National Guard, and was an integral part of the San Lorenzo Valley Community for over 55 years. Joe was a Catholic who never missed mass and someone who loved to learn about others’ religions and influences. Although he could be very stern and gruff, he was also a little rascal who loved to tell and hear a good (or bad) joke. He will be sorely missed by so many people. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, Eric and Lisa, and his grandchildren, Ruby, Charlie, and Nicole. 

There will be a mass for Joe at St. John’s Catholic Church in Felton on Saturday, November 25 at 10 a.m. and a casual get-together on Sunday, November 26 at 1 p.m. at Joe and Mary’s house to celebrate Joe’s life. If you knew Joe, please come by and share some stories. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to Mountain Community Resources, a non-profit organization near and dear to his heart.